The Junior Doctors Association of Sierra Leone has launched a two-day Orientation and Training Program for new house officers at the City Hall in Freetown. The comprehensive initiative, officially opened by Deputy Chief Medical Officer (Clinical) Dr. Mustapha Kabba, aims to equip newly graduated doctors with the essential skills and resources to navigate their initial steps in the healthcare system.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Kabba emphasized the critical role of horsemanship as a formative period in which junior doctors rotate across various medical specialties under the supervision of senior professionals. He acknowledged the steep learning curve associated with this phase, which often brings intense demands on new doctors.
“This program marks a significant step in supporting our junior doctors. Horsemanship is both a vital learning period and a challenging experience. With this structured orientation and training, we aim to give them the best possible start, ensuring they are competent, confident, and w
ell-supported from day one,” Dr. Kabba stated.
The program is designed to enhance the preparedness of new house officers and boost their confidence as they transition into their roles. The Director of Hospitals and Ambulance Services, Mr. Ibrahim Foday-Musa, highlighted that the initiative will streamline the transition from medical school to professional practice. New doctors will receive an in-depth introduction to hospital protocols, ethical guidelines, patient safety standards, and administrative procedures. This induction will help them acclimate to the high-pressure work environment and clarify the expectations for their role.
Director of Clinical Training, Professor Gibril Fadlu Deen, stressed the importance of hands-on learning through interactive workshops and simulation-based exercises. Junior doctors will refine their practical skills in critical areas such as patient diagnosis, emergency response, and clinical decision-making.
“Each junior doctor will be paired with a senior doctor or consultan
t, establishing a mentor-mentee relationship that offers consistent support, feedback, and guidance throughout the training period,” Professor Deen added. He also emphasized the crucial role of effective communication with patients and within multidisciplinary teams to enhance collaborative care delivery.
The orientation program aligns with the broader goals of the Ministry of Health, which is committed to promoting patient safety and improving the overall quality of care in hospitals across the country.
Source: Sierra Leone News Agency